This one kitchen gadget will help reduce mold in your bathroom — and it’s a whizz to use

Mold growing in a tub — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

I have a forever problem with damp and mold in my bathroom. It’s a tiny space, with little standing room, and even less ventilation. So, as soon as the weather turns, it becomes a breeding ground for excess moisture.

However, I’ve discovered a hack to remove the extra water in my bathroom, and it’s sitting in my kitchen. The magical dual-purpose device is a salad spinner. While I always enjoy using it to dry my salad leaves, it can be used in the same way to spin-dry moisture-hugging items in your bathroom.

Don't get into a spin over mold and mildew

So, next time you give your bathroom a clean, pop your cleaning sponges and clothes into a salad spinner and give them a whirl. The centrifugal force that separates salad leaves from the water and removes the liquid to the outer section of the salad spinner will work in exactly the same way with your cleaning items.

What’s more, apart from popping your cleaning clothes into the salad spinner, you can also add small textiles, like face cloths. So, instead of providing an ideal environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow, which can then cause skin issues like rashes and irritation, using a salad spinner will banish the problem.

I’m not suggesting you use the same salad spinner as you use to dry your salad, but it’s a good way to repurpose the one that you are replacing.

Alternatively, you could purchase a salad spinner for use in the bathroom only. OXO Good Grips’ small salad spinner is a good choice, and it's $27 at Amazon. However, if you’d prefer to use a gadget with a sleek stainless steel finish, CoreGourmet’s salad spinner, available for $35 at Amazon, could be just what you need.

Apart from removing the water from your small textile items, using a salad spinner is fun and rewarding when you see the amount of moisture that is extracted.

I use a similar device at my local pool to remove water from my swimming costume once I’ve completed my laps, and I have to say, it always makes me smile every time I use it.

Houseplants can help too

Another alternative way to prevent mold and mildew growth is to add a peace lily to your bathroom. This popular houseplant is known to absorb excess moisture through its leaves, thrives in areas with high humidity, and prefers shade — making it the perfect partner for bathrooms.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

More from Tom's Guide

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.

Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.

Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.